Tag Archives: Twisted Chain Stitch

Crazy quilt block 95 is weird mix of stuff! As readers know when I made this quilt one of my personal challenges was to use my stuff on it since it is a Y2K quilt not only was I drawing from stash but I wanted to find and use 2001 unique pieces of fabric, lace, braids, charms, buttons or ribbons.

So… some blocks like this one were a challenge. That said it was on blocks like this that I learnt the most. By this stage of the process I was using anything that would make up a block so that piece 4 is Elastic lace used in underwear construction in order to stabilise it I backed it with cotton. I guess no on can accuse me of being a fabric snob.

As usual you can click on the photo to see a larger version of the block.

The on going item count below represents the unique pieces of fabric, lace, braids, charms, buttons or ribbons documented this series of articles. In other words I am using this series to check the count!

Crazy Quilt Block 95 free Pattern

How I hand embroidered the seams on Crazy Quilt Block 95

On this patch (Piece 7) I covered the plain cotton with some nylon lace. I then embroidered these small motifs. I created them using cotton perle #5 thread to work Oyster stitch. I added some straight stitches in a Metallic thread to and then finished them off by adding a small bead.

This seam is covered with Twisted Chain Stitch worked in Rayon Ribbon Floss and then I added the black bugle beads.

This extended seam started off with a line of Buttonhole stitch worked in cotton perle #5 thread, to which I added detached chain stitches that are worked in a hand dyed fine crochet cotton. I left the space for the bagel beads and added them last. On the other side of the buttonhole I added straight stitches and Oyster stitch worked in stranded cotton floss (2 stands).

Ric Rac was first attached to cover this seam, then I secured it firmly with Zig zag chain stitch. I then worked straight stitches using a hand dyed, fine crochet cotton before adding the black seed beads.

Two seams can be seen in the photo above. The most noticeable consists of two lines of Detached chain stitches laced with Chenille thread. Above the buttons is a smaller seam that is Herringbone stitch that is laced with a second thread. Also you can see a piece of recycled jewellery that I added as charm. It is hand painted and quite delightful.

These are some of the vintage buttons I used on the block.

If you are a new reader to this site the I Dropped the Button Box Quilt is set with blocks that are arranged by colour in diagonal lines. My challenge was to have all the crazy quilt blocks reading properly while also pulling everything on the quilt from my stash!

This article is part of a series that offers a free block patterns from my crazy quilt called I dropped the button box while also documenting each block which are listed on the CQ details FAQ page. You can read more about the quilt there.Have you seen my book?

My bookThe Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results shares detailed practical methods on how to design and make a crazy quilt. Topics such as fabric choice, tricky challenges like balancing colour, texture and pattern, and how to create movement to direct your viewers eye around the block are covered in detail. I also explain how to stitch and build decorative seam treatments in interesting and creative ways. My book is profusely illustrated as my aim is to be practical and inspiring.

Stitchers templates

My templates aim to help you take your stitching to the next level. Designed by an embroiderer for embroiderers. With them you can create hundreds of different hand embroidery patterns to embellish your seams with flair. These templates are easy to use, made of clear plastic so you can position them easily and are compact in your sewing box.

These are simple to use. You simply position the template in place and use a quilter’s pencil to trace along the edge of the template. Stitch along this line to decorate the seam. I have a free ebook of patterns to accompany each set which illustrates how they can be used.

Twisted Chain stitch and Rope stitch are two very similar stitches. In fact Rope stitch ( as seen in the stems of the floral motif above) is simply twisted chain stitch worked closely together in a compact manner along the line.

This is an example of twisted chain worked in an open manner. I used pale yellow rayon ribbon floss and the stitches were open enough to tuck bugle beads into the spaces between them.

This sample is lines of rope stitch stacked next to each other worked in free form manner in different threads. As you can see all samples look as if they are different stitches but actually they are the same stitch spaced differently.

Twisted chain stitch is one of those handy stitches which after you master it you wonder how you lived without it! Worked close together it forms a good solid textured line which is ideal for outlining shapes or used to illustrated stems in floral motifs. It can be used in most situations where you need a clear raised line.

How to work Twisted Chain Stitch and Rope Stitch

Once your hands understand the twist – or the wrap over the needle, Twisted Chain stitch becomes simple, quick and falls into a rhythm with ease. You can work this stitch horizontally or vertically.

To work rope stitch bring the working thread up through the fabric and insert the needle so that the point emerges a short space along the line to be stitched. Cross the thread over the needle and wrap the thread under the needle point as illustrated.

Next pull the needle through the fabric. As you pull the thread through notice how you have loop that is crossed. This is the twisted chain stitch.

Insert your needle on the side of the stitch you just made. Bring the point of the needle out a short space along the line to be stitched and cross the thread over the needle as illustrated. Wrap the thread under the needle point and pull the needle through the fabric.

Continue in this manner down the line.

Twisted chain stitch follows curves with ease and if you work it close together as rope stitch it is ideal for strong linear elements.

A large variety of threads can be used from the finest thread to silk ribbon. The width of the stitch will depend on the weight of the thread used. The thicker the thread the thicker the line created.

Rope stitch can also be stacked line upon line similar to what you can do with stem stitch. This means you can graduate colour, tone, light to dark or graduate from thin to thick threads.
As I have said Rope stitch is a twisted chain worked closely together so keep the next stitches close together. Rope stitch is also called Knotted Satin stitch. I mostly use rope stitch as a linear stitch in stems in floral motifs. Here is a sample above I have used in crazy quilting are worked using perle 5 thread.

Have you seen my Stitchers Templates?

As someone who loves crazy quilting and embroidery, I designed these templates with other stitchers in mind. With my templates, you can create hundreds of different patterns to apply to your stitching and crazy quilting projects. They are easy to use, totally clear so you can position them easily and they are compact in your sewing box.

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Spanish Feather Stitch is also listed in stitch dictionaries as Spanish knotted feather stitch and known as twisted zigzag chain stitch. It’s an interesting stitch for some a challenging stitch for others. It creates a wide, ornamental line that can look like a braid particularly if you use a thicker thread or a yarn such as a chainette. It can feel awkward at first but once you get in a rhythm however it is OK.

Before you try this stitch do learn twisted chain as this stitch is a variety of twisted chain stitch.

How to work Spanish Feather Stitch

Work Spanish feather stitch downwards, along three imaginary parallel lines. If you want to keep the line straight, it is sometimes useful to mark them on the fabric with a pen that will dissolve with water.

Bring your thread through from the back of the fabric and angle the needle so that the needle emerges diagonally to the left as seen in the illustration. Wrap your thread over the top of the needle and then under the needle as illustrated.

Pull the needle through the fabric and you will see that the stitch formed looks like a twisted chain stitch worked at an angle.Place your needle just above the twist of the stitch near where your thread first emerged from the fabric.Have your needle point exit the fabric on the right side of the line but below where you started, as illustrated.

Wrap the thread over and under the needle to form the second twisted stitch. Pull your thread through and you will have a pair of twisted chain stitches worked in a zig-zag fashion.

Continue down the line back and forth until you have reached the bottom.

Each time you work a stitch make sure your needle enters the fabric just above the previous crossed thread.

As you can see the loops create a knotted look at the edges of the row.

This stitch is easier to work with a twisted thread, such as pearl cotton but do experiment with other threads. Spanish feather stitch is extremely versatile and full of personality!Follow Pintangle and have it delivered to your inbox
You can have Pintangle delivered to your inbox by using the follow feature in the sidebar. Just enter your email address, and when you get the confirmation email make sure you say yes and you are all set!
If you are on a mobile or tablet you will need to scroll to the bottom to find the follow feature.